The Dragon King

Part 12: The Knight

Jason did his best to explain the situation, to the best of his ability since even he was still confused about everything. Little by little Bianca's look of concern became more of confusion.

"That's impossible! There is no such thing as demons, those are just stupid stories you'll tell out in a campfire." She got up and started pacing the room, "Jason what if she is lying to us, what if she is one of those crazy underground cultists that go around infiltrating cities and burning them to the ground?"

Jason got up and grabbed her making her look him in the eyes, "Bianca, I believe her. She's our teammate and we're going to help her. Yes I understand things aren't making any sense at all but we're going to give her a chance. We need to give her the benefit of the doubt."

He let go and she sat down again, "Ok, I will trust your judgement... I can't trust her yet, but I will trust you."

She looked at him and gave him a half-hearted smile, "I'm honestly not built to lead this team, you'd probably make a way better leader at this point. Honestly maybe I shouldn't even be in the team." She looked down.

He knelt down in front of her and raised her head, "Bianca, no matter what anyone says you're the real leader of this team. You have the most experience out of any of us, we need you ok. Kind of hard for my egotistical self to admit but I need you as well." he said with a smile.

She smiled back, "Thank you Jason, although I had my doubts about you in the beginning... I'm glad I can count on you."

They heard a knocking on the door.

"Come in." Jason said.

The door opened slightly and one of the newer squires poked his head in. As soon as he saw Bianca his eyes grew wide and he stepped out from behind the door completely.

"Ah ah, good evening milady. This is Squire Franklin with a message from Sir Captain Mooteg." he stood there at attention.

"See Jason why can't you be more like Franklin here." she said teasing Jason for still being a squire, "At ease, what does Captain Mooteg want?" she said towards him.

"He said that as soon as you and Sir Fortes are ready, that he wishes to speak to you."

"Alright, let him now we'll be on our way." She responded.

"Yes, ma'am." he turned around and walked out.

Jason raked his hand through his hair and let out a long sigh, "Question actually? When would I no longer be considered a squire? Because I really do like the whole Sir Fortes thing."

Bianca laughed, "You need to go through a test, and then you need to wait to be knighted. We only do knighting ceremonies every few months or during special occasions."

Jason nodded, "Huh, alright then. Well lets go see what the Captain wants."

They walked out of the room and headed for Captain Mooteg's quarters.

---

As soon as they reach his room Jason knocks on the door. Captain Mooteg opens the door, a stern look on his face.

"Bianca, Jason... Come in, there is some urgent stuff we need to discuss."

"Good to go sir." Bianca says quickly. They step in and make their way to the table. Captain Mooteg motions for them to take a seat.

"So some unexpected news has come to my attention." he crossed his arms across his chest and sighed, "The king wants your team to be sent on your first assignment."

Bianca got up suddenly, "Sir with all due respect we can't! We are not ready."

Captain Mooteg pinched the bridge of his nose, "That is what I advised his majesty but unfortunately he did not heed my advice."

"Our team isn't even complete yet sir, and we currently have a member in the infirmary. How does his majesty expect us to go like this?" She said.

"Bianca! I know."

Bianca sat back down, "If it were up to me, I'd keep your team here for a few more months but it's not my choice."

"You're new teammate with be coming in tomorrow. Mirabelle will be released from the infirmary by tomorrow as well." He looked over at Jason, "And you are being knighted later this afternoon, we can't send off squires on quests like these."

Jason's eyes opened wide, "Wait what?! I'm getting knighted today!"

"Unfortunately, don't get me wrong Jason I have seen you improve immensely these past few weeks but this is too rushed." Captain Mooteg leaned back in his chair and rubbed his face.

"There was one more subject, involving Mirabelle but i'm going to let it pass for now. Bianca take Jason so he can get ready for the ceremony. It won't be anything big but he still needs to be presentable for the king."

Bianca nodded and got up, "Sir... this is a big mistake." she made her way to the door, Jason got up quickly and followed her out.

"I know..." Captain Mooteg took grabbed a small keg and chugged the rest of his drink. "What are you planning King Derek."

---

"Bianca was he being serious right now? I am getting knighted today?"

Bianca ignored Jason and continued walking. "Hey Bianca! What am I supposed to do? I'm not ready." he said. She stopped and let out a frustrated cry, "Jason I know you're not ready dammit! We're literally going to get ourselves killed on this assignment."

She started pacing back and forth like she always did whenever she became flustered, "Look Jason, go get ready. Shower and change into something clean. I'm going to find out when all of this is supposed to happen and i'll go get you."

Before Jason could respond she walks away.

Jason knew that all of this was wrong, he wanted to be knighted but he knew he wasnt ready. He could barely keep up with Bianca and that was with Mirabelle constantly pulling him out of harm's way. He made his way to the washrooms. He looked down at his mark and took a deep breath in.

"Time to begin the hunt Kaldrago"

---

Mirabelle stared at the wall, deep in thought.

She didn't know what to do, she pulled her legs into her chest and wrapped her arms around them.

"I like this Mirabelle... Been a while since we've shared a head hasn't it."

She closed her eyes and a tear made its way down her face, "Please just leave me." she pleaded.

"Shhh shhh don't cry sweetie, I'm only here temporarily. That damn charm has already started draining the last bit of strength I have. I just wanted to remind you of something... Even if you don't hear me, even if you can't feel me... I'm always with you, I'm always inside of you. Waiting... Take care of this body Mirabelle, I'm looking forward to using it soon." the voice chuckled one last time and vanished.

Mirabelle let out a shaky breath.

The door opened and a nurse came through,"Evening Miss, I came to inform you that Sir Fortes is to be knighted in an hour. If you are feeling well you are invited to attend the ceremony." she bowed and stepped out.

Mirabelle leaned back, "Maybe I should just dissappear..." she said to herself.